2025/06/23

Know This and Enjoy Even More! Your First SUZUKA 1000km

A GT Endurance Series Where Global and Japanese Traditions Intersect

For those watching the SUZUKA 1000km for the first time and those experiencing a race at Suzuka Circuit for the first time, here are the essential points you should know!

What Exactly Is the 'Intercontinental GT Challenge'?

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The race title this time, "2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge Round 4 49th SUZUKA 1000km," refers to the "Intercontinental GT Challenge," which, simply put, is a series where famous GT3 cars from around the world compete. Automakers such as Mercedes-AMG and Porsche bring their own racing cars (GT3 cars) and compete for the title of the fastest manufacturer in major endurance races worldwide.

<2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge Annual Schedule>

Event Name	Venue	Event Date
Bathurst 12 Hour Race	Australia: Mount Panorama Circuit	January 31 (Fri) – February 2 (Sun)
Nürburgring 24 Hour Race	Germany: Nürburgring	June 19 (Thu) – June 22 (Sun)
Spa 24 Hours Race	Belgium: Spa-Francorchamps	June 26 (Thu) - June 29 (Sun)
Suzuka 1000km	Japan: Suzuka Circuit	September 12 (Fri) - September 14 (Sun)
Indianapolis 8 Hours Race	United States: Indianapolis Motor Speedway	October 16 (Thu) - October 18 (Sat)

>>Intercontinental GT Challenge (External Site)

And this year, Japan's "SUZUKA 1000km" is making a comeback in that series.
Now, let's take a deeper look into this traditional endurance race that Japan is proud of, the "SUZUKA 1000km"!

Why the "SUZUKA 1000km" is Called a Tradition

The state of the race in 2019

First held in 1966, the 'SUZUKA 1000km' has a very long history spanning over half a century as a pioneering endurance race in Japan. Initially named the 'SUZUKA 1000km Automobile Race,' it started as a venue where Japanese automakers competed to showcase the performance of their sports cars and racing cars. Although there were interruptions due to the oil shock from 1974 to 1979 and a change in the event format from 2018 to the 'SUZUKA 10 Hours Endurance Race (SUZUKA 10H)' featuring GT3 cars under a unified global standard, it remains a race that holds an important position in the history of Japanese motorsports.

However, after 2019, the event was suspended due to the impact of the novel coronavirus. This year, the name 'SUZUKA 1000km' has been revived, and it will be held again as a round of the global GT car race series 'Intercontinental GT Challenge.'

What Kind of Race is the 'SUZUKA 1000km'?

The 'SUZUKA 1000km' is an endurance car race that covers approximately 1000km around the Suzuka Circuit, as the name suggests. Since one lap of the Suzuka Circuit is about 5.8km, it amounts to roughly 170 laps. By the way, the distance between Tokyo and Osaka is about 500km, so thinking of it as a round trip might help you grasp the scale.

A Long-Distance Battle

The race usually lasts more than 6 hours. Therefore, multiple drivers take turns driving, and pit stops for tire changes, refueling, and machine maintenance are strategically carried out.

2015 Scene

Midsummer Festival

Traditionally held in late August, it is a grueling race in the midsummer heat, which is why it is also called the "Midsummer Festival," attracting many fans. In the evening, the lights are turned on, and night driving may occur. This year it will be held in mid-September, but since the heat is expected to be as intense as in August, thorough heat countermeasures are advised.

2003 Scene

2016 Scene